ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award
Koby Murata from Pacific University has been named the 2023 ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner.
Both on and off the court, Murata has taken great strides over this past year and has left a lasting impact on Pacific University.
Finishing with a 34-26 singles record and 59-33 doubles record over his career, Murata was a team captain over the past two seasons and was named Second Team All-Conference in 2023 for his play.
In the classroom, Murata holds a 3.86 GPA while he pursues a degree in Business Administration. He has been named the College of Business Outstanding Student in Finance Award winner, the College of Business Student of the Month, and the College of Business Outstanding Student-Manager of The Boxer Opportunity Fund Award Recipient.
Murata is also very active in clubs at Pacific, being a member of the Chinese Qilin Club and Na Haumana O Hawaii (Hawaii Club) Member. He has also served as a mentor for underclassman and has left a lasting legacy during his time with the Boxers.
A Letter From Head Coach Rayden Murata
Dear Koby,
Congratulations on being named the Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner. Words cannot express how proud I am of you and all that you’ve accomplished throughout your time here at Pacific. I feel fortunate to not only have coached you, but have had the opportunity to play alongside you. There is no one in the nation more deserving of this award, and I thoroughly believe that not just because of the growth you went through these last few years as a captain, but the growth that you’ve gone through in the 22 years that I’ve known you. I am so proud of you and to be able to call you my brother.
Most student-athletes have a hard time balancing their school life, social life, and athletic life. Not only did you balance it all masterfully, but you managed to work 30 hours a week to get a head start on furthering your professional life. Not to mention, volunteering to represent Pacific University in performing a research project in what little free time you already had. To do all of that and play tennis at the level you played this season is so admirable and inspirational. You are the exact type of student-athlete that Division III prides themselves on. You exemplified everything it means to be a Boxer.
I wish more people are able to hear your full story as it is truly one to be in awe of. I wish you the best of luck in your professional career and have no doubt in my mind that you will not just succeed in whatever you do, but you’ll innovate and become a leader in every industry you work in. Congratulations again, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Pacific University. Go Boxers!
With great appreciation,
Coach Rayden